About the Event

Celebrate International Women’s Day with an exclusive virtual event exploring the life, art, and enduring legacy of Frida Kahlo (1907 to 1954). Join Sarah Powers, curator at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), for a deep dive into her research for the upcoming exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth, (April 5 to September 28, 2025). 

Powers will offer insights into Kahlo’s artistry and life, focusing on the pivotal role of the artist’s personal mythology in shaping our understanding of her as one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. Following the presentation, Powers will engage in a dynamic conversation with Laura Hoffman, NMWA director of digital engagement. They will discuss NMWA’s collection of Kahlo’s personal letters and how digital innovation is transforming the way we connect with personal narratives in art.

About the Speaker

Sarah Powers is curator of the exhibition Frida: Beyond the Myth at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Previously, she worked as curator of special projects at the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College, where she organized several exhibitions and programs on Mexican Modernism, including Men of Fire: José Clemente Orozco and Jackson Pollock. Powers has also worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Smith College Museum of Art, and Williams College Museum of Art. She has taught in the art history departments of Dartmouth College, University of Delaware, and Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia. She holds a doctorate from the University of Delaware and an MA from Williams College.